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Class of 2012 Abstract / OBJECTIVES: The overall objective of this project is to conduct an evaluation of the impact of pharmacists’ early interventions on clinical outcomes in patients with candidemia infections using a new microbiology assay, peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA FISH). The primary purpose of part one of the project was to evaluate timing of antifungal therapy decisions for candidemia and patient outcomes prior to implementation of the PNA FISH assay. A second part of this project will evaluate patient outcomes and timing of antifungal therapy decisions after implementation of planned pharmacists' early intervention based on candida species determination by the PNA FISH assay. METHODS: In this part one IRB-­‐approved, retrospective study, all patients with a Candida species isolated from blood at a tertiary medical center during a one-­‐year period were reviewed. Subjects were excluded from analyses if discharged alive prior to the final blood culture report for the index Candida species isolated. The time to proper antifungal therapy in relation to timing of blood culture, detection of candida growth, and determination of candida species were evaluated. The second part of this study is IRB-­‐approved and data collection is currently in progress for a second one-­‐year period after implementation of the PNA FISH assay for Candida species. During the second part of this study, designated pharmacists provided antifungal therapy recommendations based on PNA FISH results to each patient's healthcare team. RESULTS: n part one of this study, a total of 61 patients with candidemia were evaluated. The majority of candida infections were caused by either C. albicans (n=24) or C. glabrata (n=11). Prior to implementation of the PNA FISH assay, the mean time to final identification of C. albicans was 82.4 +/-­‐ 19.2 hours while the mean time for C. glabrata was 143 +/-­‐ 39.2 hours (p < 0.0001). The mean time to detection of candida growth, which is approximately the time PNA FISH assay performed in part two of project, was 31.2 +/-­‐ 19.8 hours. Planned data analysis will include comparison of time to appropriate antifungal therapy and clinical patient outcomes between part one and part two patient populations. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results of this part 1 of 2 studies provides the baseline data for comparison of antifungal therapy decisions for candidemia pre-­‐ and post-­‐ implementation of pharmacists' intervention based on PNA FISH results.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Candida species are the most common etiologic agent of opportunistic fungal infections. Candida albicans is the most frequent species in candidiasis, however species of non-albicans species have emerged increasingly in hospitals in which the use of azoles as a prophylactic or therapeutic is common. C. glabrata is the species most relevant in this scenario, causing infections with high morbidity and mortality due to high rates of resistance to antifungal azoles, especially fluconazole, and reduced sensitivity to amphotericin B and echinocandins. The remarkable resistance of these species to antifungal agents requires the search for new therapeutic options. An alternative is the combination of drugs with different mechanisms of action. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of Candida glabrata to conventional antifungal agents (amphotericin B, ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole and voriconazole), and these associations with non-antifungal drugs (chlorpromazine, linezolid, minocycline, sulfamethoxazole, tacrolimus and diphenyl diselenide). Two groups of clinical isolates of C. glabrata were evaluated. The first group consists of fluconazole-sensitive clinical isolates (FS) (n = 30) and the second, derivative of the first, fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates (FR) (n = 30). Based on protocol M27-A3 (CLSI, 2008), the checkerboard method. In isolation, MICs (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) for fluconazole ranged from 0.25 to ≥ 64.00 μg/mL (FS) and 64.00 to 256.00 μg/mL (FR); for amphotericin B ranged from 0.06 to 0.50 μg/mL (FS) and 0.03 to 0.50 μg/ mL (FR); for itraconazole 0.50 to 8.00 μg/ mL (FS) and 1.00 to 16.00 μg/mL (FR); for ketoconazole 0.13 to 2.00 μg/mL (FS) and 0.50 to 16.00 μg/mL (FR); for voriconazole 0.13 to 4.00 μg/mL (FS) and 1.00 to 16.00 μg/mL (FR). The combinations of tacrolimus with azoles showed significant synergism rates; for the group FS tacrolimus + ketoconazole (43%), tacrolimus + itraconazole (43%), tacrolimus + voriconazole (37%); for the group FR ketoconazole + tacrolimus (77% ) tacrolimus + itraconazole (73%), tacrolimus + voriconazole (63%). Linezolid combined with ketoconazole and voriconazole showed high rates of synergism against the FR group, 76.67% and 70%, respectively. Minocycline + amphotericin B obtained 46.67% (FS) and 36.67% (FR) of synergism; chlorpromazine + amphotericin B was synergistic for 40% of the FR. Chlorpromazine combined to azoles showed high rates of antagonism for resistant group, 76.67%, 70% and 80% for ketoconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole, respectively, for the sensitive group combinations had higher rates of indifference. Sulfamethoxazole evidenced a higher percentage of indifferent interactions associated with all tested antifungals, 70% (FS), 73.34% (FR) associated to ketoconazole, 60% (FS), 43.34% (FR) associated to itraconazole, 56.67% (FS), 66.67% (FR) ins association with voriconazole, 86.66% (FS), 80% (FR) associated to amphotericin B. Synergistic (76.66%) and indifferent (23.34%) interactions were observed for diphenyl diselenide + amphotericin B combination for the sensitive group. Diphenyl diselenide + fluconazole combination demonstrated indifferent (50%) and antagonistic (40%) interactions for sensitive group, whereas synergistic interactions were observed in 10% of the isolates. The most significant associations deserve in vivo evaluation in order to verify their potential in the treatment of infections caused by C. glabrata. / Candida spp é o mais frequente agente etiológico de infecções fúngicas oportunistas. Candida albicans é a espécie mais isolada nas candidíases, no entanto espécies de Candida não-albicans têm emergido de forma crescente nas unidades hospitalares em que o uso de azólicos de forma profilática ou terapêutica é frequente. C. glabrata é uma das espécies mais relevantes neste cenário, causando infecções com alta morbidade e mortalidade, devido às altas taxas de resistência frente aos antifúngicos azólicos, em especial ao fluconazol, e a reduzida sensibilidade a anfotericina B e equinocandinas. A marcante resistência desta espécie aos antifúngicos impõe a busca por novas possibilidades terapêuticas. Uma alternativa é a combinação entre fármacos com distintos mecanismos de ação. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a suscetibilidade in vitro de C. glabrata a antifúngicos convencionais (anfotericina B, fluconazol, cetoconazol, itraconazol e voriconazol) e associações destes, com fármacos e compostos não-antifúngicos (clorpromazina, linezolida, minociclina, sulfametoxazol, tacrolimus e disseleneto de difenila). Foram avaliados dois grupos de isolados clínicos de C. glabrata. O primeiro grupo composto de isolados sensíveis ao fluconazol (FS) (n=30) e o segundo, derivado do primeiro, isolados clínicos resistentes ao fluconazol (FR) (n=30). Com base no protocolo M27-A3 (CLSI, 2008), pelo método de checkerboard. Isoladamente, as CIMs (Concentrações Inibitórias Mínimas) para o fluconazol variaram de 0,25 - ≥64,00 μg/mL (FS) e 64,00 - 256,00 μg/mL (FR); para anfotericina B variaram de 0,06 - 0,50 μg/mL (FS) e 0,03 - 0,50 μg/mL (FR); para o itraconazol 0,50 - 8,00 μg/mL (FS) e 1,00 - 16,00 μg/mL (FR); para cetoconazol 0,13 - 2,00 μg/mL (FS) e 0,50 - 16,00 μg/mL (FR); para voriconazol 0,13 - 4,00 μg/mL (FS) e 1.00 - 16.00 μg/mL (FR). As combinações de tacrolimus com azólicos apresentaram consideráveis taxas de sinergismo; para o grupo FS tacrolimus + cetoconazol (43%), tacrolimus + itraconazol (43%), tacrolimus + voriconazol (37%). Para o grupo FR tacrolimus + cetoconazol (77%), tacrolimus + itraconazol (73%), tacrolimus + voriconazol (63%). Linezolida associada ao cetoconazol e ao voriconazol apresentou altas taxas de sinergismo frente ao grupo FR, 76,67% e 70%, respectivamente. Minociclina + anfotericina B obteve 46,67% (FS) e 36,67% (FR) de sinergismo; clorpromazina + anfotericina B foi sinérgica para 40% do grupo FR. Clorpromazina combinada aos azólicos apresentou altas taxas de antagonismo para o grupo resistente, 76,67%, 70% e 80% para cetoconazol, itraconazol e voriconazol, respectivamente; para o grupo sensível as combinações com clorpromazina tiveram maiores taxas de indiferença. Interações sinérgicas (76,66%) e indiferentes (23,34%) foram observadas na combinação de anfotericina B e disseleneto de difenila para o grupo sensível. A combinação de disseleneto de difenila com fluconazol apresentou indiferença (50%) e antagonismo (40%) para o grupo sensível, 10% dos isolados apresentaram sinergismo. Sulfametoxazol apresentou um maior porcentual de interações indiferentes, associado a todos os antifúngicos testados frente aos dois grupos, 70% (FS), 73,34% (FR) associado ao cetoconazol, 60% (FS), 43,34% (FR) associado ao itraconazol, 56,67% (FS), 66,67% (FR) na associação com voriconazol, 86,66% (FS), 80% (FR) associado à anfotericina B. As associações de maior relevância merecem avaliação in vivo, a fim de verificar o potencial das mesmas no tratamento de infecções por Candida glabrata.

Safety, tolerability and efficacy of itraconazole and amphotericin B (AMB) were compared for empirical antifungal treatment of febrile neutropenic cancer patients. Patients and Methods: In an open, randomised study, 162 patients with at least 72 h of antimicrobial treatment received either intravenous followed by oral itraconazole suspension or intravenous AMB for a maximum of 28 days. Permanent discontinuation of study medication due to any adverse event was the primary safety parameter. Efficacy parameters included response and success rate for both treatment groups. Results: Significantly fewer itraconazole patients discontinued treatment due to any adverse event (22.2 vs. 56.8% AMB; p < 0.0001). The main reason for discontinuation was a rise in serum creatinine (1.2% itraconazole vs. 23.5% AMB). Renal toxicity was significantly higher and more drug-related adverse events occurred in the AMB group. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed favourable efficacy for itraconazole: response and success rate were both significantly higher than for AMB (61.7 vs. 42% and 70.4 vs. 49.3%, both p < 0.0001). Treatment failure was markedly reduced in itraconazole patients (25.9 vs. 43.2%), largely due to the better tolerability. Conclusions: Itraconazole was tolerated significantly better than conventional AMB and also showed advantages regarding efficacy. This study confirms the role of itraconazole as a useful and safe agent in empirical antifungal therapy of febrile neutropenic cancer patients. / Hintergrund: Es wurden die Sicherheit, Verträglichkeit und Wirksamkeit von Itraconazol und Amphotericin B (AMB) in der antimykotischen Therapie der persistierend febrilen Neutropenie verglichen. Patienten und Methoden: In einer offenen, randomisierten Studie erhielten 162 Patienten mit mindestens 72-stündiger antibiotischer Therapie entweder Itraconazol (erst intravenös, dann oral) oder AMB (intravenös) für maximal 28 Tage. Primärer Sicherheitsparameter war die dauerhafte Unterbrechung der Studienmedikation aufgrund von Nebenwirkungen. Die Wirksamkeitsparameter umfassten die Ansprech- und Erfolgsrate für beide Behandlungsgruppen. Ergebnisse: Signifikant weniger Itraconazol-Patienten brachen die Behandlung wegen Nebenwirkungen ab (22,2 vs. 56,8% AMB; p < 0,0001). Hauptursache für Studienabbrüche war der Anstieg des Serum-Kreatinin-Spiegels (1,2% Itraconazol vs. 23,5% AMB). Nephrotoxische und weitere Nebenwirkungen traten im AMB-Studienarm signifikant häufiger auf. Intention-to-Treat (ITT)-Analysen zeigten eine bessere Wirksamkeit von Itraconazol: Ansprech- und Erfolgsrate waren signifikant höher als unter AMB (61,7 vs. 42% und 70,4 vs. 49,3%, beide p < 0,0001). Behandlungsversagen trat bei Itraconazol-Patienten merklich weniger auf (25,9 vs. 43,2%). Schlussfolgerungen: Die Verträglichkeit von Itraconazol war signifikant höher als beim herkömmlichen AMB. Itraconazol zeigte ebenfalls Vorteile in der Wirksamkeit. Diese Studie bestätigt die Rolle von Itraconazol als sinnvolles und sicheres Medikament in der empirischen antimykotischen Therapie von fiebrigen neutropenischen Tumorpatienten. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Safety, tolerability and efficacy of itraconazole and amphotericin B (AMB) were compared for empirical antifungal treatment of febrile neutropenic cancer patients. Patients and Methods: In an open, randomised study, 162 patients with at least 72 h of antimicrobial treatment received either intravenous followed by oral itraconazole suspension or intravenous AMB for a maximum of 28 days. Permanent discontinuation of study medication due to any adverse event was the primary safety parameter. Efficacy parameters included response and success rate for both treatment groups. Results: Significantly fewer itraconazole patients discontinued treatment due to any adverse event (22.2 vs. 56.8% AMB; p < 0.0001). The main reason for discontinuation was a rise in serum creatinine (1.2% itraconazole vs. 23.5% AMB). Renal toxicity was significantly higher and more drug-related adverse events occurred in the AMB group. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed favourable efficacy for itraconazole: response and success rate were both significantly higher than for AMB (61.7 vs. 42% and 70.4 vs. 49.3%, both p < 0.0001). Treatment failure was markedly reduced in itraconazole patients (25.9 vs. 43.2%), largely due to the better tolerability. Conclusions: Itraconazole was tolerated significantly better than conventional AMB and also showed advantages regarding efficacy. This study confirms the role of itraconazole as a useful and safe agent in empirical antifungal therapy of febrile neutropenic cancer patients. / Hintergrund: Es wurden die Sicherheit, Verträglichkeit und Wirksamkeit von Itraconazol und Amphotericin B (AMB) in der antimykotischen Therapie der persistierend febrilen Neutropenie verglichen. Patienten und Methoden: In einer offenen, randomisierten Studie erhielten 162 Patienten mit mindestens 72-stündiger antibiotischer Therapie entweder Itraconazol (erst intravenös, dann oral) oder AMB (intravenös) für maximal 28 Tage. Primärer Sicherheitsparameter war die dauerhafte Unterbrechung der Studienmedikation aufgrund von Nebenwirkungen. Die Wirksamkeitsparameter umfassten die Ansprech- und Erfolgsrate für beide Behandlungsgruppen. Ergebnisse: Signifikant weniger Itraconazol-Patienten brachen die Behandlung wegen Nebenwirkungen ab (22,2 vs. 56,8% AMB; p < 0,0001). Hauptursache für Studienabbrüche war der Anstieg des Serum-Kreatinin-Spiegels (1,2% Itraconazol vs. 23,5% AMB). Nephrotoxische und weitere Nebenwirkungen traten im AMB-Studienarm signifikant häufiger auf. Intention-to-Treat (ITT)-Analysen zeigten eine bessere Wirksamkeit von Itraconazol: Ansprech- und Erfolgsrate waren signifikant höher als unter AMB (61,7 vs. 42% und 70,4 vs. 49,3%, beide p < 0,0001). Behandlungsversagen trat bei Itraconazol-Patienten merklich weniger auf (25,9 vs. 43,2%). Schlussfolgerungen: Die Verträglichkeit von Itraconazol war signifikant höher als beim herkömmlichen AMB. Itraconazol zeigte ebenfalls Vorteile in der Wirksamkeit. Diese Studie bestätigt die Rolle von Itraconazol als sinnvolles und sicheres Medikament in der empirischen antimykotischen Therapie von fiebrigen neutropenischen Tumorpatienten. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.